Facilities for and method of separating and sorting livestock

ABSTRACT

Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/904,325 filed on Oct. 14, 2010, which is a continuation of PCTapplication number PCT/NL2009/000090 filed on Apr. 9, 2009 which claimspriority from Netherlands application number 1035289 filed on Apr. 14,2008. The contents of all of these applications are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The application relates to the separating of livestock, in particularcattle. The application also relates to the sorting of livestock, inparticular cattle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Livestock has to be regularly moved, for example from one grazing areato another grazing area, or from a grazing area to a milking area.Livestock originating from various regions and for various destinationshas in this case to be steered in quick succession to the rightdestination.

For separating animals from a group of animals moving in a series, swinggates or other separation gates are provided with closing means and/orlocking means. Thus, separation gates can usually be in the closedposition and be opened as desired, for example by cylinders, or bereleased by removing a lock, for letting animals through. Alternativelyor additionally, separation gates can be closed using closure means,such as cylinders, when separation is desirable. Whether closure isdesirable can for example be specified by determining data from eachanimal, referred to here as ID for short.

During the closing of a separation gate, speed is a condition for anefficient process. Another requirement is that the animals should run aslittle risk as possible of becoming injured by a closing gate. Bothrequirements can lead to contradictory approaches to the design ofseparation gates.

For sorting livestock, use may be made of what are known as sortingarrangements, comprising a gate assembly having an entry port, delimitedby side gates, the port containing a swing gate provided with one or tworotatable gate leaves, and downstream of the swing gate two or more exitports, wherein one or more movable sorting gates are placed between theswing gate and the exit ports. By adjusting the position of the sortinggate or the sorting gates, the entry port can be connected to a selectedport of the exit ports to guide the livestock thereto.

The movement of the sorting gates can take place automatically,activated by a central controller wherein the need to convert a sortinggate is ascertained by measuring data from the arriving animals.However, in an automated system of this type, it can occur that one ormore animals are still located next to a sorting gate when that gate ismoved, resulting in injuries and stress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a gate system for separatinganimals in a series of animals, and also a process therefor, with whichthere is a reduced risk of injury to the animals.

In one aspect, the invention provides for this purpose an assemblyconsisting of a passageway, delimited by side delimitations, forlivestock, such as cattle, from a first space to a second space, whereina gate system is mounted in the passageway, wherein the gate system hasat least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closedposition and one or more open positions including a pass position inwhich passage to the second space is possible for an animal from thelivestock, wherein the gate leaf is arranged for movement to an openposition by the exertion of pressure by an animal from the livestockpassing through the passageway to the second space, wherein the assemblyis also provided with a device for determining an ID of an animal fromthe livestock, and a device for blocking movement of the gate leaf to apass position, which blocking device can be activated to a blockingposition in response to data from the ID determining device.

Thus, animals for which it has been ascertained that they may move tothe second space can pass through the gate system without difficulty.After each animal which has been let through, the gate leaf willimmediately carry out a closing movement; this will be observed by thefollowing animal in the series, which will as a result stop momentarily,thus slowing things down. If it has been ascertained based on the IDdetermination of that animal that it must not be allowed to pass, thenthe activated blocking device will prevent that animal from subsequentlybeing able to obtain passage by pushing against the gate leaf. Theaforementioned hesitation can in this case already have as a consequencethat the time wherein the gate leaf can carry out a closing movement isextended. As a result of the slowing-down, the impetus of the movementof the animal against the gate leaf will be reduced in such a way thatthe risk of injury is slight. The self-closing gate leaf itself can beembodied in a known manner, for example with a non-vertical axis ofrotation.

In a compact embodiment, the blocking device is positioned entirely onthe side of the gate leaf facing towards the second space.

The movement of the gate leaf to a pass position on passing of animalsto be let through remains unimpeded, apart from the self-closing aspect,if the blocking device in the deactivated position is positioned at adistance from the gate leaf in the closed position.

The blocking device comprises preferably a stop for blocking abutmentagainst the surfaces of the gate leaf which face the second space. Theassembly can in this case be provided with means for bringing the stopinto and out of the path of movement of the gate leaf.

In a further development thereof, the assembly comprises means formoving the stop between a number of positions which are positionedwithin the path of movement of the gate leaf and are positioned at adistance from one another along the path of movement. Thus, the stop canbe operative in a plurality of positions of the gate leaf. Alternativelydescribed, the assembly can be provided with means for forcing the gateleaf by moving the stop in the direction of the closed position. If ananimal must not be allowed to pass, the stop can be moved up to the gateleaf. The gate leaf can in this case already have returned to the closedposition, in which case the abutment position is fixed. If the animal inquestion has already been able to touch the gate leaf, the gate leafwill already assume an—unknown—open position. The stop then movesagainst the gate leaf in said open position, wherein the gate leaf ishowever impeded from opening further. Further movement of the stop willallow the gate leaf to be forced to the closed position. The stop thuscarries out a two-stage movement. In the first section, rapid movementof the stop allows the gate leaf to be detained; in the second section,the animal is driven back by the gate leaf.

From a further aspect, the application also provides an assemblyconsisting of a single passageway, delimited by side delimitations, forlivestock, such as cattle, from a first space to a second space, whereina gate system is mounted in the passageway, wherein the gate system hasat least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closedposition and one or more open positions, including a pass positionwherein for an animal from the livestock passage from the first space tothe second space is possible, wherein the gate leaf is arranged formovement to an open position by the exertion of pressure by an animalfrom the livestock passing through the passageway to the second space,wherein the assembly is also provided with stop device, which can beplaced on the side of the second space of the gate leaf, from a restposition into the swivel path thereof into an active position, forpreventing the gate leaf from moving into a pass position. In this case,the stop device can be arranged in the active position for abutmentagainst surfaces of the gate leaf which face the second space. The thusdescribed assembly can also comprise means for moving the stop between anumber of positions which are positioned within the path of movement ofthe gate leaf and are positioned at a distance from one another alongthe path of movement. The movement means can in this case be configuredfor moving the stop from a position detaining the gate leaf in an openposition to a position holding the gate leaf in the closed position. Theassembly can also be provided with means for determining an ID of ananimal from the livestock, wherein the stop device can be activated to ablocking position for the gate leaf in response to data from the IDdetermining means.

In a further development of the assemblies described hereinbefore, theassembly is provided with means for observing a position of the gateleaf, wherein the blocking or else stop device are movable to a blockingposition as a function of the registration of the gate sensor.

In the above-described case of two-stage movement, the blocking or stopdevice can be movable at a first speed to the position detaining thegate leaf in an open position and at a second, lower speed to a positionholding the gate leaf in the closed position. This allows the animal tobe driven back in a gradual, gentle manner.

In a further development, the assembly is provided with a device forobserving a position of the gate leaf, and with counting device forgenerating a count signal as a function of a defined swiveling movement,observed by the gate sensor, of the gate leaf. Thus, the movement,induced by the animals themselves, of the gate leaf can be applied forcounting the number of animals which have passed through the passageway.This allows the reliability of the count to be increased.

The counting device can in this case be configured for generating acount signal as a function of the extent, observed by the gate sensor,of the extension of the gate leaf. The extent of the extension, which isindicative of the count, can for example be the maximum possibleextension or, if the animals do not have the maximum size for passage, asmaller extension wherein passage of said animals is still possible.

Alternatively or additionally, the counting device can be configured forgenerating a count signal as a function of the duration of theextension, observed by the gate sensor, of the gate leaf. Thus, a countsignal can for example be generated when an extension making passagepossible occurs for an average passing time (or a somewhat longerperiod).

Alternatively or additionally, the counting device can be configured forgenerating a count signal as a function of the pattern of movement,observed by the gate sensor, of the door leaf in a period between twosuccessive closed positions. In this case, reference may be made to thecontour of the animal, wherein for example the passage of the shoulder,the flank and the haunches can be observed in succession; this canindicate a complete passage.

For generating a count signal, the assembly can in this case be providedwith a control unit comprising a memory and with means for entering intothe memory a reference value for the extent of the extension, theduration of the extension and/or a pattern of a movement of the gateleaf, and also with means for comparing the extent of the extension,duration of the extension observed by the gate sensor and/or the patternof movement observed by the gate sensor with the reference value or thereference pattern respectively and having the counting device generate,on the basis of the outcome of said comparison, a count signal forstorage in the memory. The control unit can thus add up the countsignals generated, wherein the added-up value can be used as an inputvalue for controlling a livestock guiding or sorting process, or otherlivestock handling processes.

The gate system can be embodied with just one gate leaf. Alternatively,the gate system can comprise two gate leaves which can swivel abouttheir own swivel axes positioned in respective side delimitations. Inthat case, the width of the passage to be made by the animals will bedefined by the extension of both gate leaves. For this purpose, the gatesensor can be provided for observing the movement of both gate leavesand the control unit be configured for comparing a reference value for acombined extent of the extensions, the duration of the extensions and/ora pattern of movements of the gate leaf with those which have beenobserved and having the counting device generate, on the basis of theoutcome of said comparison, a count signal for storage in the memory.

In a further development, the gate system is a one-way gate system whichallows merely passage to the second space.

In conjunction with the foregoing, the application provides, from oneaspect, a method of guiding livestock in a passageway, wherein thepassageway has an entry and exit and is provided with a one-way gatesystem which can allow merely passage from the entry to the exit,wherein the gate system has at least one self-closing gate leaf which ismovable between a closed position and one or more pass positions,wherein a number of animals are allowed in series into the passagewayvia the entry and the animals are successively subjected, at a distancebefore the gate leaf, to an ID test and are let through in series to theexit by having the animals successively push aside with their body thegate leaf to a pass position, wherein the gate leaf moves of its ownaccord to the closed position after each passage of an animal, whereinafter the observation of an animal from the livestock having an ID whichis undesirable for access, the gate leaf is blocked, after lettingthrough the preceding animal in the series, from moving to a passposition.

If the gate leaf enters the closed position after letting through thepreceding animal in the series, the gate leaf can, according to oneapplication, be blocked in said position.

If the gate leaf is held, after letting through the preceding animal inthe series, at least somewhat open by the following animal, the gateleaf can, according to another application, be prevented in saidposition from opening further. The gate leaf can subsequently be forcedto the closed position; this, as mentioned hereinbefore, can take placein such a way that the animal is not wounded as a result, i.e.gradually.

An approach of this type can also be followed if the gate leaf is held,after letting through the preceding animal in the series, in the passposition by the following animal (thus further opened than the foregoingparagraph provides for), the gate leaf being forced to the closedposition.

In the case in which the gate system comprises two gate leaves whichinteract in closure, if merely one of the two gate leaves is in the passposition after the preceding animal in the series has been let through,the other gate leaf can be prevented in its position from opening(further). The former gate leaf can in this case be left to close itselfor, alternatively, is forced to the closed position.

A further object of the application is to provide a passageway foranimals to a following process region with which animals can be countedin a reliable manner.

From a further aspect, the application provides an assembly consistingof a passageway, delimited by side delimitations, for livestock, such ascattle, from a first space to a second space, wherein a gate system ismounted in the passageway, wherein the gate system has at least oneself-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position andone or more open positions, including a pass position wherein for ananimal from the livestock passage to the second space is possible, alsoprovided with means for counting the number of animals which have passedthrough the passageway to the second space, wherein the counting deviceare configured for issuing a count signal as a function of a movement,observed by gate sensor, of the gate leaf. The count signal, which isrelated to the movement of the gate leaf, can be used for managing thegate system and/or for controlling processes following passage. The gatesensor can for this purpose be operatively connected to a control unitto which the counting device are operatively connected; this includes asituation wherein the counting device are integrated into the controlunit.

In one embodiment thereof, the gate leaf is arranged, just as in theabove-discussed assembly according to the application, for movement toan open position by the exertion of pressure by an animal from thelivestock passing through the passageway to the second space. Themovement of the gate is thus introduced by the animals themselves, as isthe counting resulting therefrom.

The counting device can in this case be embodied as discussedhereinbefore.

A further object of the application is to provide a sorting arrangementfor animals, and also a sorting process, with which animals can be ledin a safe manner to various successive destinations.

From one aspect, the application provides a system for sortinglivestock, comprising a sorting compartment surrounded by delimitations,an access port to the sorting compartment and two or more exit portsfrom the sorting compartment, and at least one movable sorting wall,such as a sorting gate, wherein the entry port and the exit port eachhave at least one gate leaf which is movable between a closed positionand one or more pass positions, also comprising first counting devicefor ascertaining a passage of an animal through the access port andsecond, third, etc. counting device for ascertaining a passage of ananimal through a respective exit port, and a programmable control unitto which the aforementioned counting device are operatively connected,wherein the system is also provided with first closing means for holdingthe access port in a closed position, wherein the system furthercomprises drive unit for moving the sorting wall from a positionsteering the livestock from the access port to a first exit port to aposition steering the livestock from the access port to a second exitport, wherein the control unit is configured for activating the driveunit for the sorting wall on the basis of a comparison of the data fromthe second counting device with the data from the first counting device.The automatic movement of the sorting wall is thus related, as afunction of a condition, to the number of animals which have entered andthe number of animals which have been let out. In particular, thecontrol unit can in this case be configured for activating the driveunit for the sorting wall on the condition of absence, defined by thecontrol unit, of animals in the sorting compartment in use. This rulesout the risk of an animal still being located or becoming enclosed inthe path of movement of the sorting wall to be moved.

The control unit is configured for deactivating the first closing meansafter a desired movement of the sorting wall has elapsed.

The entry port can be embodied in accordance with one or more of theabove-discussed aspects of assemblies according to the application.

In conjunction with the discussion of the immediately foregoing aspect,the application provides, from one aspect, a method of sorting livestockwith the aid of a sorting compartment which is surrounded bydelimitations and has an access port to the sorting compartment and twoor more exit ports from the sorting compartment, and at least onesorting wall which can be moved by drive unit which can be activated bya control unit, such as a sorting gate, with which a connection betweenthe access port and a selected port of the exit ports is defined,wherein the entry port and the exit ports each have at least one gateleaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more passpositions, wherein each passage of an animal from the livestock throughthe access port is counted by an automatic first counter and eachpassage of an animal from the livestock through the selected exit portis counted by an automatic associated counter, wherein a certain timeafter a closure of the access port the data from both counters arecompared with one another in the control unit and, on ascertainment ofunequal count values therefor, the control unit does not activate thedrive unit.

In one application, the control unit can activate the drive unit onascertainment of equal count values, to move the sorting wall in orderto start to define a connection between the access port and a selectedother exit port, after which the control unit releases the access portagain.

On ascertainment of a higher count value for the access port than forthe exit port, the control unit can, in one application, activate thedrive unit for driving animals present in the connection to the exitport.

The comparison can be repeated until it is ascertained that both countvalues are equal.

The count can be based on the movement of extension of the gate leaf, inparticular on the number of times that the gate leaf reaches a definedextension and/or on the number of times that the gate leaf reaches adefined extension within a defined period and/or on the number of timesthat the gate leaf in the extended position follows a predefined patternover a defined period.

It should be noted that WO 2004/049790 discloses a passageway, providedwith an ID determining device, for a series of animals, in whichpassageway a port comprising one or two gate leaves is mounted. The gateleaves can be placed in the open position or in the closed position byoperating means. According to the document, the position of the port canbe controlled as a function of the perceptions from one or more sensorswhich are arranged to observe a defined presence of the body of ananimal. The perceptions by the sensors can be used for counting thenumber of animals which have passed through the passageway. A pluralityof sensors can be placed in the direction of movement at a distance fromone another in order thus to record an image of the contour, based onwhich it is possible to define whether an animal is present at a definedlocation. Alternatively, the sensor can be arranged to observe aparameter which is related to the cross section of the animals, such asthe width.

WO 01/08468 discloses an arrangement wherein a two-way gate is placedbetween two spaces, wherein a catch usually blocks rotation of the gateleaf from the closed position to the open position; when it has beenascertained with the aid of an ID determining device that an animal maypass the gate, the catch is moved out of the blocking position to allowrotation of the catch leaf to the open position.

German utility model 200 18 646 discloses a sorting arrangement with twoexit paths, wherein a sorting gate is placed after a measuring sluice.The sluice is accessible via a two-way gate and is provided with aweighing platform and a sensor for defining the shoulder height of theanimal in the sluice. During the measuring, the sorting gate closes offboth exits. Depending on the measurement, the sorting gate opens one orelse the other exit path. With the aid of photosensors in the measuringsluice and the two exit paths, it is possible to observe whether andpossibly where an animal is located in the sorting arrangement.

WO 95/05735 discloses a sorting arrangement with two exit paths, whereina gate comprising two gate leaves is placed at the end of an entry path.In the entry path, ID determining means are used to determine at twolocations the ID of the animal which is located there. The sortingdirection, which can be adjusted using a sorting gate mounted directlydownstream of the entry path, is related to the ID. If both IDdetermining devices give the same sorting direction, the gate remainsopen; if they give a different sorting direction, the gate is closed andthe sorting gate converted.

The aspects and features described in this description and claims of theapplication and/or shown in the drawings of this application may, wherepossible, also be applied separately from one another. These separateaspects, such as the blocking of the gate leaf, the counting of thenumber of animal passages on the basis of movements of the gate leaf,and the activating of a movable sorting gate as a function of presenceof animals in the sorting compartment, and other aspects may form thesubject matter of divisional patent applications relating thereto. Thisapplies in particular to the features and aspects which are described inthe sub-claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventions discussed hereinbefore will be described based on anumber of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of asorting system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows details of the sorting device from FIG. 1, at the locationof an entry gate;

FIG. 2A is a view looking onto a portion of the entry gate from FIG. 2;

FIGS. 3A-C show successive stages in the use of the access gate fromFIG. 2;

FIGS. 3D and 3E show successive stages in another use of the entry gatefrom FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A-D show successive stages in the use of the sorting system fromFIG. 1; and

FIGS. 5A-D are various flow diagrams illustrating use of the entry gateof FIG. 2 and the sorting system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention,given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings. Thelivestock sorting system 1 in FIG. 1 comprises an entry 2 which islaterally delimited by gates 5 a and 5 b. Located in the entry 2 is anentry gate system 3 comprising two gate leaves 6 a, 6 b which can swivelopen merely in one direction (B), by swiveling about vertical axes, tofree up a passageway 8 in the direction A. Two stops 7 a, 7 b, which canswivel about vertical axes and are operated using cylinders 9 a, 9 b,are arranged immediately after the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b.

Located downstream (viewed in direction A) of the gate system 3 is asorting space 40, delimited by gates 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e andexit gate systems comprising exit gates 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d whichlikewise can open merely in one direction, namely from the space 40outward, in order respectively to provide a passage to process spaces 4a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d which are positioned in region 4 and are respectivelydelimited by gates 26 a,b, 26 c,d, 26 d,e and 26 f,g.

Arranged within the sorting space 40 are various sorting gates 11 a, 11b, 11 c which can respectively swivel about vertical axes 12 a, 12 b, 12c, with the aid of activatable drives, and also a fixed gate 13. Correctadjustment of the sorting gates 11 a, 11 b, 11 c allows a walkingconnection to be established between the entry gate system 3 and aselected exit gate 14 a, 14 b, 14 c or 14 d.

A central control system 15, equipped with an operating/input panel andprogrammable computer, is provided for the processing of signals fromvarious detectors which are placed in the sorting system 1 and will bediscussed hereinafter and activation of various drives. Some of thesignal/control lines are represented by broken lines.

FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the entry 2 comprising the entry gatesystem 3. An ID reader 16, which operates for example using infrared andwith which a transponder on a cow (K1) can be read to identify the cowin the central control system 15, is mounted at a distance before thegate leaves 6 a, 6 b.

The gate leaves 6 a, 6 b have stands 20 a, 20 b. Just like the gateleaves of the exit gates 14 a-d, the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b areself-closing. That is possible using spring devices or, as illustratedin FIG. 2A, by embodying the stand (here 20 b) in a divided manner witha fixed component 24 and a rotatable upper part 25 which rests on thecomponent 24 via a support face rising in the circumferential direction,so that on rotation (B) the upper part is forced upward (C), counter togravity, when an opening force is exerted on the gate leaf 6 b. Whensaid force ceases to be applied, the upper part 25 rotates back of itsown accord to the closed position of the gate leaf 6 b. An alternativeis the placing of the axes of rotation of the gate leaves at aninclination.

On the outside, the upper parts 25 of the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b areprovided with a detection arm 18 a, 18 b which can be detected by asensor 17 a, 17 b on the gate 5 a, 5 b. The sensor 17 a, 17 b can forexample be a proximity sensor which issues a signal when the arm 18 a,18 b has arrived at a defined distance, or a series of sensors of thistype when it is desirable to obtain more information concerning theswivel position of the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b. Use may also be made, inaddition to a proximity sensor, of an angular extension detector, forexample comprising a potentiometer wherein the measured tension is ameasure for the extension. It will be understood that during the placingof the sensors 17 a, 17 b, etc., allowance is made for the verticalmovement (C) if the self-closing construction of FIG. 2A is applied.

Directly downstream, on the exit side of the passageway 8, the stops 7a, 7 b can swivel (E) about stands 21 a, 21 b. The ends of piston rodsof hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders 9 a, 9 b are rotatably fastened tothe free ends of the stops 7 a, 7 b. At their other end, the cylinders 9a, 9 b are rotatably fastened to supports 23 a, 23 b which are securelyfastened to end gates 22 a, 22 b. The position of the cylinders 9 a, 9 bis recorded by sensors 19 a, 19 b which are operatively connected to thecontrol system 15.

If during use, a series of cows K1 etc. have to pass through the entry2, the cylinders 9 a, 9 b are left in the retracted position, so thatthe swiveling movements of the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b are not impeded bythe stops 7 a, 7 b. The cows K1-K29 are successively observed by the IDsensor 16 and it is ascertained by the control system 15 that they mustbe allowed to pass. The cows Kl-K30 can easily obtain access by passingthrough and pushing the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b open using their body (FIG.3A). After each passage, the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b fall back of their ownaccord into the closed position illustrated in FIG. 3B. The followingcow, for example K30, sees the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b swivel toward it andform an apparent barrier, as a result of which it will to some degreeslow down. That effect can be utilized when cow K31 is observed by theID sensor 16 and it is ascertained by the control system 15 that thiscow may not (yet) pass. Because the cow K31 has stopped momentarily,there may be enough time to expand (D) the cylinders 9 a, 9 b, activatedby the control system 15, in order to have the stops 7 a, 7 b swivel(direction E) at high speed (V1) up to or close to the sides of the gateleaves 6 a, 6 b which face the exit, and to hold them in this position.When cow K31 subsequently seeks to push open the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b,opening is prevented by the stops 7 a, 7 b (FIG. 3C).

If the cow which is not to be let through (e.g. K50, see FIG. 3D) iswalking too close to the preceding cow, for example with its head rightbehind the rear of the preceding cow, complete self-closing can beprevented. As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the cow K50 may have preventedclosure of the gate leaf 6 b with its snout. Because cow K50 may not belet through, the cylinders 9 a, 9 b are activated. The cylinder 9 b canperform its operating stroke completely and unimpeded. The cylinder 9 acan be expanded unimpeded (speed V1) until the stop 7A is placed againstthe somewhat open gate leaf 9 a. From that moment, the gate leaf 9 acannot be pushed open any further. The operating pressure for thecylinders 9 a, 9 b is such that the cylinder 9 a can force the gate leaf6 a, counter to a force of resistance supplied by the cow K50, to theclosed position. That then takes place at a lower speed V2 than in thefirst section of movement of the stops. The cow K50 is in this casedriven back by the closing movement of the gate leaf 6 a, to theposition of FIG. 3E.

If the region downstream of the entry gate system 3 is ready forreceiving cow K50, the cylinders 9 a, 9 b can be retracted back to theposition, illustrated in FIG. 3A, of free passage.

The movement of the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b, as registered by the proximitysensor(s) and/or angular extension detectors or other suitabledetectors, can be used by the control system for ascertaining a passagecompleted by an animal and counting the completed passages (see flowchart of FIG. 5B). Thus, the occurrence of a maximum extension, forexample observed by the proximity sensor, of one gate leaf can beprocessed as the occurrence of a completed passage. It is also possibleto elect, depending on the dimensions which are used, to register acompleted passage only once both gate leaves have reached a definedextension. It is also possible to elect to register a completed passageonly once a defined extension has been reached/exceeded for a definedtime, for which purpose the control system is provided with a timer. Itis also possible to elect, if angular extension detectors allow theextension of one or both gate leaves to be monitored, to infer a patterntherefrom and to have the control system compare that pattern with areference pattern of the movement of the gate leaf during a passage. Inthe event of correspondence, within a defined margin, between bothpatterns, the control system registers a completed passage and thepassage is counted.

The control system will be programmed in accordance with the selectedprocessing method and configured therefor.

The entry gate system 3 can be employed at many locations. FIGS. 4A-Dillustrate application in the sorting system from FIG. 1.

In FIG. 4A, the sorting gates 11 a and 11 b are placed to define withfixed gate 10 a a path I to process region 4 a for cows Kn, Kn+1, etc.Provided that the ID sensor observes cows for which the control systemis programmed to release the path I, the cows pass through the entrygate system 3 by simply pushing gate leaves 6 a, 6 b open (the stops 7a, 7 b are placed in the rest position), between gates 10 a and 11 a, 11b through to the exit gate comprising gate leaves 14 a which, just likegate leaves 6 a, 6 b, can be pushed open and are self-closing.

In the manner described above, each completed passage of a cow throughthe passageway 8 of the entry gate system 3 is registered and counted(Ni). The same registration and counting (Nu) is carried out at gateleaves 14 a, in a comparable manner, by the control system 15. Acounting device 15 a may be operatively connected to the control system15 or may be integrated into the control unit. The exit gates are forthis purpose also provided with sensors 27 a,b, 28 a,b, 29 a,b, 30 a,bfor registering the movement of the gate leaves 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d,for example similarly to the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b, which sensors areoperatively connected to the control unit 15.

If cow Kn+3 is detected in the entry 2 by the ID sensor (FIG. 4B), thecontrol system 15 ascertains that the cow, and probably the cows walkingbehind it, are not intended for process region 4 a, but for processregion 4 d. The entry gate system 3 is closed by operating the cylinders9 a, 9 b, in the manner described above. Subsequently, the controlsystem 15 compares the values Ni and Nu. If the values differ,indicating that one or more cows are still in the sorting space 40, e.g.on the path I, the movement of the gate leaves 14 a is still monitoredfor a defined time and optionally an ejection device is activated, orelse an alarm signal is issued so that a person can intervene. If thecontrol system 15 ascertains that Ni=Nu, it activates the driving of thesorting gate 11 a (FIG. 4C). As no cows are present in the sorting space40, there is no risk of injury to the animals. When the sorting gate 11a is moved, a path II is defined (see FIG. 4D), delimited by the fixedgate 10 e and sorting gate 11 c. The cows Kn+3, Kn+4, Kn+5, etc. canpass, after the releasing of the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b by movement of thestops 7 a, 7 b to the rest position, through path II and leave thesorting space 40 to process space 4 d via gate leaves 14 d. The movementof the gate leaves 6 a, 6 b and 14 d is again monitored and completedpassages at the entry and exit are again counted. An appropriate flowchart is illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D.

The foregoing description is intended to illustrate the functioning ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope ofthe invention. Starting from the foregoing discussion, many variants,which come under the spirit and the scope of the present invention, willbe obvious to a person skilled in the art. Accordingly, althoughspecific embodiments have been described, these are examples only andare not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

1. An assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passagewaybeing delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock froma first space to a second space, the assembly comprising: a gate systemmounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least oneself-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position andone or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passageto the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, andwherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressureexerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through thepassageway to the second space; a device for determining an ID of ananimal from the livestock; and a device for blocking the gate leaf frommoving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can beactivated to a blocking position in response to data from the IDdetermining device.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein theblocking device is positioned entirely on the side of the gate leaffacing towards the second space.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein the blocking device, in the deactivated position, is positionedat a distance from the gate leaf in the closed position.
 4. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the blocking device comprises a stop forblocking abutment against a surface of the gate leaf which faces thesecond space.
 5. The assembly according to claim 4, comprising a devicefor moving the stop between a number of positions which are positionedwithin the path of movement of the gate leaf and are positioned at adistance from one another along the path of movement.
 6. The assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein the movement device is configured formoving the stop from a position detaining the gate leaf in an openposition to a position holding the gate leaf in the closed position. 7.An assembly comprising a single passageway for livestock, the passagewaybeing delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock froma first space to a second space, the assembly comprising: a gate systemmounted in the passageway, the gate system having at least oneself-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position andone or more open positions including a pass position wherein passagefrom the first space to the second space is possible for an animal fromthe livestock, wherein the gate leaf is arranged for movement to an openposition by the exertion of pressure by an animal from the livestockpassing through the passageway to the second space; a stop devicedisposed on the side of the gate leaf facing the second space, whereinthe stop device can be placed in a rest position or an active positionin a swivel path of the gate leaf for preventing the gate leaf frommoving into the pass position.
 8. The assembly according to claim 7,wherein, in the active position, the stop device abuts against a surfaceof the gate leaf which faces the second space.
 9. The assembly accordingto claim 7, comprising a device for moving the stop device between anumber of positions which are positioned within the path of movement ofthe gate leaf and are positioned at a distance from one another alongthe path of movement.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein themovement device is configured for moving the stop device from a positiondetaining the gate leaf in an open position to a position holding thegate leaf in the closed position.
 11. The assembly according to claim 7,also provided with a device for determining an ID of an animal from thelivestock, wherein the stop device is configured to be activated to ablocking position for the gate leaf in response to data from the IDdetermining device.
 12. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein theassembly is provided with a sensor for observing a position of the gateleaf, and wherein the stop device is movable to a blocking position independence on the registration of the gate sensor.
 13. The assemblyaccording to claim 10, wherein the stop device is configured to move ata first speed to the position detaining the gate leaf in an openposition and at a second, lower speed to a position holding the gateleaf in the closed position.
 14. The assembly according to claim 7,wherein the assembly is provided with a gate sensor for observing aposition of the gate leaf, and with a counting device for generating acount signal as a function of a defined swiveling movement, observed bythe gate sensor, of the gate leaf.
 15. The assembly according to claim14, wherein the counting device is configured for generating a countsignal as a function of the pattern of movement, observed by the gatesensor, of the door leaf in a period between two successive closedpositions.
 16. The assembly according to claim 15, provided with acontrol unit comprising a memory and with a data entry device forentering into the memory a reference value for the extent of extensionof the gate leaf, a reference value for the duration of extension of thegate leaf, and/or a reference pattern of a movement of the gate leaf,and also with a comparing device for comparing extent of the extensionobserved by the gate sensor, duration of the extension observed by thegate sensor, and/or the pattern of movement observed by the gate sensor,with the corresponding reference value or reference pattern, wherein thecounting device is configured to generate, on the basis of the outcomeof the comparison, a count signal for storage in the memory.
 17. Theassembly according to claim 7, wherein the gate system comprises twogate leaves which can swivel about their own swivel axes positioned inrespective side delimitations, and wherein the assembly is provided withgate sensors for observing a position of both of the gate leaves, andwith a counting device for generating a count signal as a function of adefined swiveling movement, observed by the gate sensors, of the gateleaves.
 18. An assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, thepassageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of thelivestock from a first space to a second space, the assembly comprising:a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system having at leastone self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed positionand one or more open positions including a pass position wherein passagefrom the first space to the second space is possible for an animal fromthe livestock, wherein the gate leaf is arranged for movement to an openposition by the exertion of pressure by an animal from the livestockpassing through the passageway to the second space; and a device forcounting the number of animals which have passed through the passagewayto the second space, wherein the counting device is configured forissuing a count signal as a function of a movement, observed by a gatesensor, of the gate leaf
 19. The assembly according to claim 18, whereinthe counting device is configured for issuing a count signal as afunction of the pattern of movement, observed by the gate sensor, of thedoor leaf in a period between two successive closed positions.
 20. Theassembly according to claim 18, provided with a control unit comprisinga memory and with a data entry device for entering into the memory areference value for the extent of extension of the gate leaf, areference value for the duration of extension of the gate leaf, and/or areference pattern of a movement of the gate leaf, and also with acomparing device for comparing extent of the extension observed by thegate sensor, duration of the extension observed by the gate sensor,and/or the pattern of movement observed by the gate sensor, with thecorresponding reference value or reference pattern, wherein the countingdevice is configured to generate, on the basis of the outcome of thecomparison, a count signal for storage in the memory.
 21. The assemblyaccording to claim 18, wherein the gate leaf is arranged for movement toan open position by the exertion of pressure by an animal from thelivestock passing through the passageway to the second space.
 22. Theassembly according to claim 18, wherein the gate system comprises twogate leaves which can swivel about their own swivel axes positioned inrespective side delimitations, wherein gate sensors are provided forobserving the movement of both gate leaves and the control unit isconfigured for comparing a reference value for a combined extent of theextensions, the duration of the extensions and/or a pattern of movementsof the gate leaf with those which have been observed and having thecounting device generate, on the basis of the outcome of the comparison,a count signal for storage in the memory.
 23. A system for sortinglivestock, comprising a sorting compartment surrounded by delimitations,an access port to the sorting compartment and two or more exit portsfrom the sorting compartment, and at least one movable sorting wall,wherein the entry port and the exit ports each have at least one gateleaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more passpositions, the system also comprising a first counting device forascertaining a passage of an animal through the access port and two ormore second counting devices for ascertaining a passage of an animalthrough the exit ports, and a programmable control unit to which thecounting devices are operatively connected, wherein the system is alsoprovided with a first closing device for holding the access port in aclosed position, and a drive unit for moving the sorting wall from aposition steering the livestock from the access port to a first one ofthe exit ports to a position steering the livestock from the access portto a second one of the exit ports, wherein the control unit isconfigured for activating the drive unit for the sorting wall on thebasis of a comparison of data from one of the second counting deviceswith data from the first counting device.
 24. The system according toclaim 23, wherein the control unit is configured for activating thedrive unit for the sorting wall on the condition of absence, defined bythe control unit, of animals in the sorting compartment in use.
 25. Thesystem according to claim 23, wherein the control unit is configured fordeactivating the first closing device after a desired movement of thesorting wall has occurred.
 26. The system according to claim 23, whereinthe entry port comprises an assembly comprising a gate system, whereinthe gate system is mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprisesat least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closedposition and one or more open positions which include a pass positionwherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from thelivestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position bypressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through thepassageway to the second space; the system further comprising a devicefor determining an ID of an animal from the livestock; and a device forblocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein theblocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response todata from the ID determining device.
 27. A method of guiding livestockin a passageway, wherein the passageway has an entry and exit and isprovided with a one-way gate system which only allows passage from theentry to the exit, the gate system having at least one self-closing gateleaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more passpositions, the method comprising: allowing a number of animals into thepassageway in a series via the entry; successively subjecting theanimals, at a distance before the gate leaf, to an ID test; allowing thegate leaf to move to a pass position, by having the animals successivelypush aside the gate leaf with their body, to allow the animals throughto the exit in series; allowing the gate leaf to move to the closedposition of its own accord after each passage of an animal; and blockingthe gate leaf from moving to a pass position, after detection of ananimal from the livestock having an ID which is not desired for access,after letting through the preceding animal in the series.
 28. The methodaccording to claim 27, wherein if the gate leaf enters the closedposition after letting through the preceding animal in the series, thegate leaf is blocked in said position.
 29. The method according to claim27, wherein if the gate leaf is held at least partly open, after lettingthrough a preceding animal in the series, by the following animal, thegate leaf is prevented from opening further.
 30. The method according toclaim 29, further comprising subsequently forcing the gate leaf to theclosed position.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein if thegate leaf is held in a pass position, after letting through thepreceding animal in the series, by the following animal, the gate leafis forced to the closed position.
 32. The method according to claim 27,wherein the gate system comprises two gate leaves which interact inclosure, wherein if only one of the two gate leaves is in the passposition after the preceding animal in the series has been let through,the other gate leaf is prevented in its position from opening further.33. A method of sorting livestock with the aid of a sorting compartmentwhich is surrounded by delimitations and has an access port to thesorting compartment and two or more exit ports from the sortingcompartment, and at least one sorting wall which can be moved by a driveunit which can be activated by a control unit and which defines a pathbetween the access port and a selected one of the exit ports, whereinthe entry port and the exit ports each have at least one gate leaf whichis movable between a closed position and one or more pass positions,counting each passage of an animal of the livestock through the accessport using a first automatic counter; counting each passage of an animalof the livestock through the selected exit port using a second automaticcounter; comparing count values from the first and second automaticcounters with one another in the control unit, at a predetermined timeafter a closure of the access port; and if the count values are unequal,not activating the drive unit by the control unit.
 34. The methodaccording to claim 33, wherein the control unit activates the drivemeans on ascertainment of equal count values, to move the sorting wallin order to start to define a connection between the access port and aselected other exit port, after which the control unit releases theaccess port again.
 35. The method according to claim 33, wherein onascertainment of a higher count value for the access port than for theexit port, the control unit activates the drive unit for driving animalspresent in the connection to the exit port.
 36. The method according toclaim 33, further comprising repeating the comparison until it isascertained that both count values are equal.
 37. The method accordingto claim 36, wherein the count is based on the number of times that thegate leaf reaches a defined extension.
 38. The method according to claim36, wherein the count is based on the number of times that the gate leafreaches a defined extension within a defined period.
 39. The methodaccording to claim 36, wherein the count is based on the number of timesthat the gate leaf in the extended position follows a predefined patternover a defined period.